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Finish carpenter vs journeyman painter

The differences between finish carpenters and journeyman painters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a finish carpenter, becoming a journeyman painter takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a finish carpenter has an average salary of $46,987, which is higher than the $40,885 average annual salary of a journeyman painter.

The top three skills for a finish carpenter include hand tools, custom cabinets and safety rules. The most important skills for a journeyman painter are coats, work ethic, and exterior surfaces.

Finish carpenter vs journeyman painter overview

Finish CarpenterJourneyman Painter
Yearly salary$46,987$40,885
Hourly rate$22.59$19.66
Growth rate2%1%
Number of jobs11,6538,020
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4242
Years of experience12-

What does a finish carpenter do?

Finish carpenters are skilled professionals who perform the final touches on homes after the structure is fully built. These carpenters must carry out various tasks such as installing doors, building bookshelves, and adding designs to window and door trims. They are required to follow work from sketches and drawings to complete the job to the right specifications as well as collecting the correct materials before beginning a job. Finish carpenters must also dismantle and demolish before carrying out repairs or installing new materials.

What does a journeyman painter do?

A Journeyman Painter specializes in painting walls and other surfaces according to project needs. Aside from applying paint, a journeyman painter is also responsible for cleaning and scraping off the dirt to prepare the painting procedures, identify client preferences, select equipment, and technique, and apply other finishes. They must also monitor their supplies and maintain the cleanliness of their work areas. Moreover, a Journeyman Painter typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Finish carpenter vs journeyman painter salary

Finish carpenters and journeyman painters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Finish CarpenterJourneyman Painter
Average salary$46,987$40,885
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $63,000Between $26,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Jersey
Best paying companyTurner ConstructionUniversity of Southern California
Best paying industryConstructionAutomotive

Differences between finish carpenter and journeyman painter education

There are a few differences between a finish carpenter and a journeyman painter in terms of educational background:

Finish CarpenterJourneyman Painter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessFine Arts
Most common college--

Finish carpenter vs journeyman painter demographics

Here are the differences between finish carpenters' and journeyman painters' demographics:

Finish CarpenterJourneyman Painter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.5% Female, 3.5%Male, 94.0% Female, 6.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 32.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%5%

Differences between finish carpenter and journeyman painter duties and responsibilities

Finish carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
  • Show more

Journeyman painter example responsibilities.

  • Manage painting crews in both commercial and industrial environments from swing stage to high boom work.
  • Apply materials with HVLP, airless, electro-static and conventional spray equipment.
  • Smooth and sand surfaces to remove ridges, tool marks, glue, and caulking.
  • Apply necessary masking and prep work prior to applying primer and finish coats to insure proper coating for any application.
  • Climb ladders and complete work utilizing rollers with extensions requiring repetitive motion.
  • Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
  • Show more

Finish carpenter vs journeyman painter skills

Common finish carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Custom Cabinets, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 4%
  • Door Hardware, 4%
  • Window Installation, 3%
Common journeyman painter skills
  • Coats, 14%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Exterior Surfaces, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%

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